The Tanzanian government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting gender equality and nurturing a new generation of skilled, courageous, and visionary women leaders.
Speaking at the launch of the Young Women’s Leadership Program in Dar es Salaam on February 11, 2025, Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups, Dr. Dorothy Gwajima, emphasized that the government is implementing various plans aimed at ensuring gender equality.
"The government, under the leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, is committed to fostering gender equality by preparing a new generation of female leaders with expertise, determination, and vision," said Dr. Gwajima.
The leadership program, organized by Care International Tanzania in collaboration with the Mwanamke Initiative Foundation (MIF), is designed to equip young women between the ages of 20 and 35 with the necessary skills to participate in decision-making bodies and leadership roles.
Dr. Gwajima noted that the National Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women and Children (MTAKUWWA) outlines key strategies for empowering women in leadership, adding that building female leaders strengthens society, promotes long-term development, and requires collective efforts from all stakeholders.
She further stressed that despite ongoing efforts, women still face challenges in securing leadership positions.
"Statistics show that women's representation in Parliament stands at around 36% to 37%, but their participation at local government levels remains significantly low," she said.
"In the private sector, only 20% of women hold senior leadership positions such as Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) or board members.
Harmful cultural and traditional norms continue to be major barriers, preventing women from fully participating in decision-making, politics, and economic development. This confirms the urgent need for more structured efforts to accelerate gender equality," she added.
A Step Towards Inclusive Leadership
The launch event also featured remarks from Prudence Masako, Country Director of Care International Tanzania, who emphasized the broader impact of investing in young women's leadership.
"Investing in young women's leadership is not just about representation; it is about service and nation-building. When we empower women to lead, policies become more inclusive, decisions are made with a broader perspective, and society as a whole benefits," said Masako.
"Today, we are not just launching a leadership program; we are launching a movement for a new generation of female leaders who will shape the future of this country," she added.
Echoing this sentiment, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, Chairperson of Mwanamke Initiative Foundation (MIF), highlighted the importance of leadership training in preparing young women for key decision-making roles.
"This training is crucial for young women as it equips them to become influential leaders at various levels. We are grateful to Care International for partnering with us in making this program a reality," said Ameir.
The launch of the Young Women’s Leadership Program marks a significant milestone in Tanzania's ongoing efforts to bridge the gender gap in leadership. As stakeholders unite to create more opportunities for young women, the future of female leadership in the country looks increasingly promising.
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